Introduction to Global Climate Change

Currently, there is a strong scientific consensus that global climate will be significantly altered in the XXI century as a result of increased concentrations of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxides and chlorofluorocarbons (Houghton et al., 1990 , 1992). These gases are trapping a lot more terrestrial infrared radiation and is expected and planetry temperature will increase between 1.5 and 4.5°C. In response to this, it is thought that the overall rainfall patterns will also be altered. Although there is general agreement on these findings, there is great uncertainty regarding magnitudes and rates of these changes on regional scales (EEI, 1997).

Associated with these potential changes there will be major changes in global ecosystems. Scientific studies suggest that the ranges of tree species may vary significantly as a result of global climate change. For example, studies in Canada project losses of about 170 million hectares of forests in southern Canada and gains of 70 million hectares in northern Canada, so if global climate change is as suggested, it would entail a net loss 100 million hectares of forest in Canada alone (Sargent, 1988).

Still, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the implications of global climate change and responses of ecosystems, which in turn can result in economic imbalances (EEI, 1997). This subject is of vital importance in countries that depend heavily on natural resources.

With regard to direct impact on humans it may include expansion of the area of tropical infectious diseases (Becker, 1997), flooding of coastal lands and cities, more intense storms and hurricanes, the extinction of countless species of plants and animals, crop failure in vulnerable areas, increased drought, etc. (Lashof 1997).

These findings have led to a global government reaction and have motivated many studies and conferences, including treaties aimed at addressing and possibly resolving the crisis. This site will analyze the problem of global climate change, the theoretical underpinnings, its possible future effects, the actions taken and recommended measures to address the problem adequately.

(Miller, 1991)

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